Pediatric endoscopy with flexible fiberscopes

In recent years gastroduodenoscopy has become almost routine in adult patients with upper gastrointestinal disease. This has been particularly true in the diagnosis of bleeding conditions and in the differential diagnosis of ulcers. Even more spectacular is the technique of introducing the scope into the second portion of the duodenum, cannulating the ampulla of Vater, and injecting the biliary and pancreatic duct system with contrast material for radiographic study. By colonoscopy, the advantages of sigmoidoscopy are now being extended all the way to the cecum and even the terminal ileum, including biopsy of tissues and removal of polyps. The purpose of our study is to evaluate these procedures for use in infants and children, to recognize their limitations and to establish proper and satisfactory techniques.